I'm sure there's a backup plan somewhere just in case it really starts pouring. Does the landau they are using have a folding top? I am assuming it is not convertible but does someone know? Maybe someone can bring them a couple of big umbrellas in that case.

A landau has a folding top by definition, so it would be possible. However, I don't think it would have many windows on the side, so it would be very hard to see inside if they put the top up.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will risk getting soaked in an open carriage in order to give hundreds of thousands of wellwishers a chance to see them in their wedding outfits, courtiers have disclosed.

I hope in that case, it's not a steady downpour, otherwise they're going to look like drowned rats by the time they get to BP. Although didn't we hear that the Glass Coach (or a Glass Coach) would be available for them in the event of rain? I would imagine you'd be able to see the two of them well enough in that if it was raining that hard.

__________________

__________________"The grass was greener / The light was brighter / The taste was sweeter / The nights of wonder / With friends surrounded / The dawn mist glowing / The water flowing / The endless river / Forever and ever........ "

I've never smoked in my life but I feel like between now and the next 12 hours I'll be tempted to pick up a cigarette and smoke. I cannot believe how nervous I am and I'm not even the BRIDE! I can't imagine how Wills and Kate must feel.

I think everyone is a bit nervous. I mean, we've only been waiting for this for 5 or 6 years now, at least since these two were seriously linked to one another. What's another 12 hours?

__________________"The grass was greener / The light was brighter / The taste was sweeter / The nights of wonder / With friends surrounded / The dawn mist glowing / The water flowing / The endless river / Forever and ever........ "

I think everyone is a bit nervous. I mean, we've only been waiting for this for 5 or 6 years now, at least since these two were seriously linked to one another. What's another 12 hours?

Well I had hoped to get heavy coverage of the lead up to the wedding today from the networks over in London, however I had a lot going on and with what I did catch, there was only coverage of the devistation in Alabama from the monster tornados, which is as it should be.

The wedding isn't for another 11 hours. I would guess that crowds would start showing up early in the morning.

__________________"The grass was greener / The light was brighter / The taste was sweeter / The nights of wonder / With friends surrounded / The dawn mist glowing / The water flowing / The endless river / Forever and ever........ "

Some of the press are saying Americans are the ones who are really hyping this up. They say the Brits are low key and it's the foreigners that's making this wedding a big deal. I don't know about that.

I heard Kate will not be say "I obey" in the wedding vows. Does anyone know if that's true?

The wedding isn't for another 11 hours. I would guess that crowds would start showing up early in the morning.

An update - many people [with Sleeping bags and supplies] are now in The Mall, camping overnight. Sadly it is a bit cold.

Newspapers have been carrying stories today that Catherine and William want those spectators present in The Mall to consider themselves guests, and to dress up in wedding attire. To contribute to the festive atmosphere, Wedding Cake and Champagne is being distributed at various points. [Actually it is being sold, I am afraid.....]

Some of the press are saying Americans are the ones who are really hyping this up. They say the Brits are low key and it's the foreigners that's making this wedding a big deal. I don't know about that.

I heard Kate will not be say "I obey" in the wedding vows. Does anyone know if that's true?

She won't say I obey it's been confirmed via the official program on the official website.

As a little look back, here is the processional from Andrew and Sarah's wedding in 1986, with a 4-year old Prince William looking none too pleased to be holding a girl's hand while walking up the aisle. He'll have a better attitude tomorrow!

__________________"The grass was greener / The light was brighter / The taste was sweeter / The nights of wonder / With friends surrounded / The dawn mist glowing / The water flowing / The endless river / Forever and ever........ "

Sounds like that is just some "sour grape" talk. All my contacts in the UK suggest that there is a high level of general excitement, especially the last few days. There are 5,500 registered street parties and thousands of people are having "in home" events. I read that 25 million cocktail sausages have been sold in the past few days by Tesco alone.

So, I don't think it is the Americans that are hyping it up. But America is very interested and there will be millions watching.

I don't think she really needs a reason. It's one of the official versions of the marriage service from the Church of England, and dropping "obey" isn't exactly a new thing (I'm pretty sure Diana didn't say it).

Probably because IMHO, it's patriarchal and outmoded. She also is not going to vow to "serve" him either. In the 21st century, it sounds wrong for a woman to vow obedience and servitude to their husband. Diana didn't say "obey" either.

__________________"The grass was greener / The light was brighter / The taste was sweeter / The nights of wonder / With friends surrounded / The dawn mist glowing / The water flowing / The endless river / Forever and ever........ "

Probably because IMHO, it's patriarchal and outmoded. She also is not going to vow to "serve" him either. In the 21st century, it sounds wrong for a woman to vow obedience and servitude to their husband. Diana didn't say "obey" either.

And I'll bet Prince William won't let Catherine even promise that. I know I sure wouldn't let my bride promise that to me.